MOE & MTS talk maintenance & security for schools

Issues of maintenance and security were high on the agenda at a meeting involving senior executives of the Ministry of Education and a seven member delegation from the National Maintenance Training and Security Company Limited (MTS) on Tuesday 7th August 2018. The Honourable Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education says the meeting discussed several areas of cooperation which will also impact on the successful reopening of schools in September.

“MTS has been one of our major stakeholders providing services over the years to most of our government secondary schools, they have been in the field of janitorial services where they ensure our schools are fit for occupation and they have been providing security services so that our schools can remain secure. They have also been providing a limited area of maintenance and we discussed how best the MTS can assist us where maintenance is concerned.” He said.

Minister Garcia reiterates that the Education Facilities Company Limited (EFCL) has been given the responsibility to do major repairs of schools, however the support and collaboration with MTS will greatly enhance the efforts of the Ministry to ensure schools are fit for learning and teaching .

“Everyone knows that about fifty (50) percent of our schools are aged, that is they are over 50 years old and they therefore need maintenance on a regular basis. MTS has given the assurance they will assist us and also assist EFCL in providing the necessary maintenance in small areas that can prevent our schools from closing on an untimely basis.”

The meeting also decided that a small committee will be formed comprising members of both parties to ensure follow-up and execution of the highlighted issues. MTS will also make available to the Ministry its policies and contractual obligations. This document will be shared with Principals and school administrators.

Other MOE executives present at the meeting on Tuesday included Dr. the Honourable Lovell Francis, Minister of State in the MOE, Permanent Secretary, Lenore Baptiste - Simmons and Chief Education Officer, Harrilal Seecharan. The MTS delegation was led by its Chief Executive Officer, Lennox Rattansingh.